AT&T is bringing Multimedia Messaging to the iPhone on September 25. But if you can’t wait ten days or so, here’s how to get it now.
- iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS. MMS doesn’t work on earlier iPhones
- iTunes 8.2 or 9.0
- OS X’s Terminal app
- This AT&T Carrier Settings file
The procedure requires typing a Terminal command, but takes about three minutes total. Be warned, there are some reports the hack doesn’t work.
Start by enabling IPCC updates, which is supported in the latest version of iTunes (iTunes 9) and iTunes 8.2.
- Quit iTunes
- Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities)
- Type the following command: defaults write com.apple.iTunes carrier-testing -bool TRUE
Next you have to update your iPhone with a new carrier settings file, which allows you to change the iPhone’s Network settings and enable MMS.
Right click and save this ATT_US.ipcc carrier settings file to your hard drive. I downloaded it to the default Downloads folder. When it has finished downloading, follow these steps:
- Restart iTunes
- Make sure your iPhone is plugged in
- Select your iPhone under Devices in the left-hand sidebar of iTunes
- Option-Click the “Check for Update” button in the iTunes main window
After Option-Clicking the “Check fro Update” button, you need to find the downloaded ATT_US.ipcc file:
- Browse to your Downloads folder and select the ATT_US.ipcc file
- Click on the file and hit “Choose”
- iTunes will copying the new settings to your iPhone
- Unplug your iPhone
- Reboot your iPhone
When your iPhone has rebooted, you need to input the following in the Network settings window.
Go to Settings>General>Network and choose the new Celullar Data Network option.
Then type in the missing username and password. The other settings should already be there. If not, enter them in as follows:
APN: wap.cingular
Username: [email protected]
Password (case sensitive): CINGULAR1
MMSC: https://mmsc.cingular.com;
MMS Proxy: 66.209.11.32
After entering the settings, just hit the Home button and you’re done — there’s no save button.
MMS in the Messages App should now be enabled. If so, you’ll see a little camera icon next to the text input box, which allows you to shoot video or pictures to go with your message. You can also choose a picture or video already saved on your iPhone.
